Guwahati, July 13 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the state's three-tier cancer care programme has significantly improved cancer treatment outcomes, with the survival rate reaching 62 per cent, which is substantially higher than the national average. Sharing the achievement on social media, the Chief Minister attributed the improved survival rate to timely screening, early diagnosis and prompt treatment under the state's integrated cancer care model.

"Our 3-tier cancer care programme is delivering excellent results. Due to timely testing, diagnosis and treatment, our survival rate stands at 62 per cent, much above the national average," CM Sarma said. He added that the state government has launched an ambitious drive to screen 1.24 crore people for early detection of cancer, aiming to reduce mortality through timely medical intervention. According to official figures released by the Chief Minister, Assam currently has 12 operational cancer care centres functioning under the three-tier distributed healthcare model.

The state has already screened 47 lakh people for various types of cancer as part of its mass screening initiative, while the target is to cover 1.24 crore people in the upcoming phase. The data further showed that more than one lakh CT scans have been conducted across the state's cancer care facilities. Around 50,000 indoor patients have received treatment at these centres, highlighting the increasing utilisation of specialised oncology services.

Officials said the cancer care network has also delivered over 1.56 lakh chemotherapy sessions and more than 17,000 radiation therapy procedures, strengthening access to advanced cancer treatment within the state. The Assam government has been expanding cancer care infrastructure over the past few years through dedicated cancer hospitals and specialised treatment centres established in partnership with healthcare institutions.

The Chief Minister said the government would continue strengthening early detection mechanisms and treatment facilities to ensure that cancer patients receive quality healthcare closer to their homes, while increasing screening coverage across the state.

--IANS